Your favourite workout has a lot to say about you!

Are you crazy about kick-boxing? Passionate about running? Madly in love with SoulCycle? Well, your favourite workout has a lot to say about your personality. Let’s see what your workout says about you!

The kind of exercise we choose is not just a reflection of our health but it also speaks oodles about the kind of person we are. Although it is not possible to exactly say things about one’s personality through the choice of one’s workout types and routine, but according to a clinical psychologist there are some similarities among those who follow common pursuit.

Kim. PhD, a clinical psychologist says, “Workouts can reflect aspects of our personality as we tend to engage in what suits our needs and desires, making it naturally rewarding.” It is important to note if we exercise solo or in a team, for rejuvenation or competition. The workout routine one chooses gives an insight into whether that person is motivated from within or his motivation comes from someone else. It also reflects whether you are spontaneous or controlled, risk-seeker or avoider, aggressive or calm, competitive or collaborative, and whether you want to stay fit or just want to stay in shape.

Group Workouts

People who enjoy working out in groups are quite social in nature but in order to stay on track they need constant guidance and help. Some kind of motivation is definitely needed to exercise regularly and everyone is looking for such a motivation. In fact, group workout is one of the best means of staying motivated. The psychologist also says that group exerciser are usually motivated extrinsically (praise from others, rewards and encouragement). They are less aggressive, less competitive and more spontaneous. Tracy Morgan, a psychoanalyst from New York says that such people like being told what to do and are fine with making someone else in charge of telling them what to do. Kevin Gilliland, the author of Struggle Well, Live Well says, “You know your level of performance, but others help to bring out the best in your abilities. You may tend to feel the energy of the group and get caught up in it or even need it.”

Soloists

People who love to work out individually are those who want a break from the work and the social world. It’s a way of putting one’s mind to rest, rejuvenate one’s body and get rid of all the clutter in the mind. All this is not so easy to achieve when one exercises when many people are around in classes. Dr. Gilliland says, “Often neurotic overachievers’ workout solo.” They’re efficient, scheduled on their terms for a change, and working out alone gives them a break from all the questions and directions of their typical life.” But there is also a flip side to it. Soloists run the risk of monotony in their exercise routine and use the same machines daily.

Runners

When it comes to solo pursuits, you will find minute differences in people’s personality depending on the kind of solo activity they choose. People who choose running as their solo pursuit are usually less social and self-motivated. According to Dr. Kim “They’re controlled and competitive, but prefer less focus and risk.” They are neither aiming to develop any technique in sport nor aspiring for adrenaline rush. Such people might face issues with authority. The sunny side of solo runners is that they are dedicated, good with time management and determined.